The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has fired a clear shot over the bow with a critical weather alert for 52 provinces, as a vigorous south-westerly monsoon enthusiastically sweeps from the Andaman Sea into both Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. The forecast holds an ominous promise of unruly thunderstorms accompanied by seas churning with waves cresting over 2 meters. As Mother Nature gears up to unleash her tempestuous power, tourists and locals alike are being cautioned to proceed with utmost care. According to the TMD, today, June 19, threatens volatile thunderstorms spanning the northern, upper northeastern, and southwestern regions. Mariners, keep an eye on those seas, as waves rise beyond 2 meters during stormy episodes.
The meteorological prediction from 6 AM today until 6 AM tomorrow envisions thunderstorms canvassing 60% of northern Thailand. This turbulent weather will particularly focus on Mae Hong Son, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperature lows are cozy between 23 and 26°C, climbing to sweltering highs of 32 to 35°C. The region will experience southwest winds shimmying along at 5 to 15 kilometers per hour. Heading to the northeastern provinces, thunderstorms are set to splash 40% of the area, zeroing in on Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Expect temperatures between 23 and 27°C, stretching to highs of 34 to 37°C. Those winds will whisper through at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour.
Meanwhile, Central Thailand braces for storms across 30% of its expanse, particularly zeroing in on Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Temperatures here will range from 23 to 27°C, peaking in high energy heat from 35 to 37°C, accompanied by southwest winds gliding at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour. Over in the eastern region, thunderstorms are expected over 40% of the landscape, homing in on Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The mercury will swing between 25 and 28°C, rising to 32 to 35°C, with robust winds tickling the surface at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour. Waves will strut at about 1 meter, surging beyond 2 meters in thunderous conditions.
Now, for those on the southern region’s eastern coast, arm yourself for thunderstorms across 40% of the territory. Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat are in the line of fire. Expect temperatures to waddle between 24 and 26°C, leaping to 34 to 36°C. Southwest winds will race through at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, with sea waves poised at 1 meter, galloping past 2 meters during stormy tempests.
For the southern region’s western coastline, some good old-fashioned thunderstorms will dazzle 60% of the sky, predominantly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Feel the dance of temperatures from 24 to 27°C, rising through a weather waltz to highs of 32 to 34°C. From Ranong northwards, winds will gallop at 15 to 35 kilometers per hour, and the seas will swirl between 1 and 2 meters, reaching beyond 2 meters when thunderstorms parade through. Meanwhile, from Phang Nga southwards, winds will breeze at 15 to 30 kilometers per hour, as seas gently lap at around 1 meter, crescendoing beyond 2 meters when the heavens open.
Bangkok and its neighboring areas won’t escape the weather spectacle, with thunderstorms foretold for 40% of the vicinity, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Keep your umbrella at the ready, as temperatures will meander between 26 to 28°C, aiming for highs of 34 to 36°C. The southwest winds will take a lazy stroll at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour, according to KhaoSod.
This monsoon season seems more intense than usual. Climate change is definitely at play here!
Could be, but isn’t it natural for monsoon seasons to vary every year?
Sure, but there’s a trend of increasing intensity and erratic patterns. It can’t be a coincidence.
Not everything is about climate change. Some things are just weather phenomena.
I’m supposed to fly to Thailand tomorrow! Should I cancel my trip?
Maybe delay it if possible. 52 provinces affected is no joke.
Exactly! Better safe than sorry. Besides, who wants to travel in such bad weather?
Monsoon adds to the adventure! Just make sure you’re prepared.
The article is spot-on about the southwest monsoon influence. The geographical details on temperatures and winds are accurate and critical for planned activities.
Totally agree! Understanding these patterns can save lives and prevent economic loss.
Yeah, education about weather should be more emphasized in curriculums globally.
How come the government isn’t better prepared for these storms every year?
You can’t predict everything, even with the best technology.
Preparation seems political and not as big of a priority unless there’s a disaster.
It’s better than most countries but still not enough. They should improve urgently.
Is it safe for sailors to be on the water with waves over 2 meters?
Only experienced sailors should be out in such conditions. It’s risky.
And make sure you have the right gear and a solid plan in place.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll pass it on to my friend who’s a fisherman.
These extreme weather patterns are a direct result of global warming. When will people learn?
Tired of hearing this. Weather fluctuates, stop making everything about global warming.
Wake up, Paul. The data is right there if you care to look.
Wow, what a comprehensive weather report! Are all areas in Thailand this variable?
With Bangkok affected, I hope the government takes steps to alleviate potential flooding.
I was in Thailand last year during the monsoon and it was a bit scary, but beautiful as well.
Is it just me, or are these weather patterns getting more extreme each year?